Dresden Symphony Orchestra will perform “Aghet” progam dedicated to the centennial of the Armenian Genocide at the German Consulate in Istanbul on November 13, Agos reports.
Turkish-Armenian Friendship Association will host a reception after the concert. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister of Culture Nabi Avcı have been invited to participate in both events.
“Aghet” project caused a crisis between Germany, Turkey and EU. Turkey decided to leave the Creative Europe Program, because of the latter’s support for “Aghet.” German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his support to Aghet project, causing further disturbance in Turkish government.
Expressing his support to Aghet project, Steinmeier stated: “The deportation of the Armenian people happened a century ago. However, Armenian and Turkish sides haven’t yet officially reconciled concerning the events of 1915-1916. With this project, three composers from Germany and Armenia echo the voice of the deceased and also bridge the gap between the present and a past full of hatred and violence. The project invites the audience to get out of the world of hatred. I am convinced that only the people who learn and acknowledge the dreams and traumas of the others can contribute to the bright future of this continent. And Aghet project is one of the most important milestones in this path.”
